Contract Economic Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description/Duties There are currently two (2) vacancies in the Economic Development Department. While both of these vacancies fall under the Office of Economic Development (Special Programs) assignment, one (1) of the positions will support the emerging field of Creative Economy & Industry Development, while the other will support Small Business and Entrepreneurship. This recruitment will also be used to establish a Citywide eligible list for potential future vacancies.

The first review of applications will be on Monday, August 17, 2026. An Economic Development Project Manager plans, organizes, monitors, manages, and evaluates economic development project activities. Responsibilities include coordinating, directing, and implementing programs and projects that support commercial, office, and industrial development; business development; workforce development; the attraction of and assistance to domestic and international businesses; development of public facilities and infrastructure; small business development initiatives; and/or other economic development, redevelopment, or capital improvement programs or projects.

Work requires considerable independent judgment and initiative in combining a broad scope of professional planning and economic development knowledge and sophisticated, analytical judgments in order to solve a variety of complex, technical problems. Responsible for overall management of economic development project activities. Employees in this class may be required to work evenings and/or weekends for special events or programming coverage (by assignment).

This class may functionally supervise Economic Development Specialist(s) and/or office support staff. This class is supervised by a department director or deputy director who reviews work through conferences, meetings, reports, and results achieved. This class is FLSA exempt-administrative.

Creative Economy & Industry Development: Develops and advances Mesa's creative economy ecosystem by attracting, growing, and retaining businesses in areas such as film, media, music, gaming, immersive technologies, industrial design, digital content, and other creative industries. Fosters strategic partnerships, workforce development, and innovation opportunities that diversify Mesa's economy and strengthen the competitiveness of the City's target industry sectors. Small Business and Entrepreneurship: Supports entrepreneurs and small businesses through resource connections, technical assistance, strategic partnerships, and programs that encourage business formation, growth, and long-term success.

Please refer to the link below for the full job description and additional information regarding assignments, preferred qualifications, and essential functions. Qualifications & Requirements Employee Values: All employees of the City of Mesa are expected to uphold and exhibit the City's shared employee values of Knowledge, Respect, and Integrity. Minimum Qualifications Required.

Any combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Economic Development, Public or Business Administration, Commercial Real Estate, Urban Planning, Marketing, Arts Management, Creative Industries, or a related field. Extensive (5+ years) progressively responsible work experience at a level that required supervision or management of projects and programs in economic development, redevelopment, marketing, commercial real estate development, business assistance, public facility, infrastructure development, or workforce development. Special Requirement.

Must possess a valid Class D Arizona Driver's License by hire or promotion date. Preferred/Desirable Qualifications. Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's Degree in Economic Development, Public or Business Administration, Commercial Real Estate, Urban Planning, Marketing, Arts Management, Creative Industries, or a related field; membership in related professional organizations; the ability to speak a second language; and designation as a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) or current certification in a related field.

City Manager's Office (Urban Transformation) Assignment: Experience working in a downtown setting with multiple stakeholders, including business improvement districts, enhanced municipal services districts, and/or convention and visitor bureaus; contract negotiation and management; and grant writing. Office of Economic Development (Special Programs) Assignment - Creative Economy & Inustry Development: Experience in creative industry development, arts administration, media production, and/or event management. Link to Job Description http://apps.mesaaz.gov/jobdescriptions/Documents/JobDescriptions/cs5158.pdf